With the passing of a stopgap bill on January 18, 2024, the looming threat of a government shutdown has been temporarily averted, extending federal funding until early March. This Continuing Resolution (CR) maintains the previous fiscal year’s spending levels until March 1 for select departments, including Energy, Transportation, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, military housing, and the Food and Drug Administration, while other agencies are funded until March 8.
The bill received overwhelming approval from both the House of Representatives, with a 314-108 vote, and the Senate, with a 77-18 vote. This marks the third interim funding measure since the November 2023 CR, which extended funding until January 19 and subsequently to February 2, 2024.
Potential Need for Further Extension
However, concerns arise regarding the feasibility of passing the necessary 12 bipartisan bills to secure a full-year budget before the impending March deadline. With the House of Representatives commencing a two-week break from February 16 and Senate members absent from February 8 through February 26, only seven joint days in Washington remain before the initial deadline on March 1. Consequently, many lawmakers anticipate the need for yet another CR to extend the deadline further, lest a government shutdown become inevitable.
Impact on Workers and Military Personnel
In the event of a shutdown, millions of GS workers face the prospect of furloughs or working without pay, while “excepted” workers are required to continue essential duties without compensation. Similarly, active-duty service members may either work without pay or remain at home without a paycheck, as military pay authorization remains contingent on new legislation during a shutdown. Though military commissaries can remain operational using existing funds, eventual closures may occur when resources are depleted.
Implications for Retirement Applications and Benefits
For federal employees, the processing of retirement applications by OPM Retirement Services may experience delays, particularly if submitted during a shutdown. However, existing retirees need not worry, as annuity payments remain unaffected. Social Security beneficiaries will continue to receive benefit checks, as Social Security operations are unaffected by appropriation bills. Nevertheless, IRS and Social Security office closures, alongside the suspension of services like Head Start and Meals on Wheels, highlight the broader impact of a potential shutdown on public services and amenities.
